Staff Spotlight: Kristin Varnum

Kristin has been with MFT for 16 years, and was one of the very first two employees. She lives on Verona Island with her husband, David, and two children, Caleb and Hannah. She grew up on a small farm in Bucksport, where her family raised all their food and ran a bustling farm stand. She distinctly remembers going to the grocery store with her mom when she was around 8 years old and seeing vegetables in the produce section, which stunned her. She thought everyone grew and preserved their own food!

While her family no longer lives on a farm, she has a big kitchen garden and loves that her kids also know where their food comes from, as she did growing up.

Q: What is your role at Maine Farmland Trust?

A: I am the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. I oversee the Finance and Administration departments, while continuing to play various roles in many other pieces of MFT’s work.

Q: Why do you work for Maine Farmland Trust?

A: I came to MFT by chance. I worked as a paralegal at the law office of LouAnna Perkins, and when LouAnna was hired as MFT’s first Executive Director, I came along with her. I guess you could say we were a package deal, and it turned out to be the biggest gift for me. I love what I do, and can’t imagine working anywhere else. I grew up on a farm, and am happy to be part of this team, making a difference for farming in Maine.

Q: What do you do outside of work?

A: I love spending time outdoors with my family. In the summer we go camping, hiking, and kayaking almost every weekend. My happy place is on top of any mountain in Maine, but particularly Tunk Mountain –it’s a beautiful hike.